Swansea City 1-0 Manchester City

Last Updated: Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:57

Luke Moore's late header saw Swansea to a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester City in a huge day in the Premier League title race.

In these days of multiple televised fixtures it is rare for the two sides competing for top spot to kick off at the same time but it happened today and it was City who blinked first in the battle with rivals United.

After defeat in the Europa League in midweek, Roberto Mancini was hoping for an immediate response but Swansea never looked like making it easy for them at the fortress that is the Liberty Stadium. As early as the fifth minute City had their goalkeeper to thank as Joe Hart kept out Scott Sinclair's weak penalty after he had brought down Wayne Routledge.

Michel Vorm was enjoying one of his easier Premier League afternoons in the Swansea sunshine as City's galaxy of stars failed to shine and Danny Graham fired in just before the break.

Although Vorm was kept a shade busier after the break there were still problems for City who seemed to be lacking the drive that has been the trademark of their season so far with enigmatic striker Mario Balotelli enduring one of his off days.

The decisive moment arrived seven minutes from time as Luke Moore, just on as a late substitute, rose unmarked at the near post to power Angel Rangel's cross beyond a helpless Hart.

There was to be more late drama as Micah Richards' injury time header was correctly ruled out for offside while the City players were celebrating what they thought was an unlikely point.

Brendan Rogers' side withstood the late onslaught to hold on for a vital victory that virtually confirms their Premier League status for a second season, and also sends City crashing into second in the table courtesy of Manchester United's 2-0 win at home to West Bromwich Albion.